Café Latte

Café Latte

Written by Deb Arnold Wednesday, 07 March 2007

Down-home café combines comfort and cuisine

When Lauralee Courtney left her job at Dell to start a restaurant, her lifelong vision became a reality – all but the name, that is.

“My husband and I always knew we wanted to have a business of our own”, Lauralee said. “I had a vision of a restaurant that would serve good, southern home-cooking with a friendly atmosphere and we’d call it Apron Strings.”

Lauralee and her husband, Joe, have lived in Leander for 14 years and were patrons of Café Latte while it was under previous ownership.

“I was part of a ladies group that met here and one day the pastor told me that the restaurant was for sale,” Lauralee said. “So we prayerfully thought about it and asked for guidance.”

Another offer for the restaurant was on the table, but it fell through, so the Courtneys made their move. They bought Café Latte in November 2005 and have owned and operated it ever since.

We decided to stop in on a Saturday morning to enjoy a tasty breakfast in the café which has a bright, comfortable down-home atmosphere. Orders are placed at the counter and then you seat yourself at a booth or table. There are magazines and newspapers available to browse as you await your meal.

My order of bacon, scrambled eggs, and whole-grain toast arrived piping hot and well-prepared ($4.00). We also tried the big fluffy biscuits covered in sausage gravy ($3.50). It was worth going back for seconds.

Their breakfast tacos consist of fresh and tender flour tortillas generously stuffed with your choice of bacon, sausage, potato, egg and cheese ($1.80 three ingredients, $2.00 four ingredients). We chose the scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese. The accompanying salsa had an authentic, tasty flavor adding just the right spice to the tacos.

As would be expected with a name that includes latte, there was a large selection of coffees and tea to accompany our meal. I chose a Vanilla Chai Tea Latte, smooth and tasty with a subtle undertone of vanilla and spice ($3.00). The coffee, just plain, unadulterated java, filled the cafe with its “wake up and get going” aroma ($1.00). The menu also offers a variety of espresso drinks including cappuccinos, lattes and mochas.

Lauralee says the food, her loyal following of customers and the atmosphere are what make her restaurant unique.

“It’s very near to my heart for people to come in and feel welcome, relaxed and be able to spend time with their family,” Lauralee said. “We truly care about our customers.”

Daily hot lunch specials

• Monday: Meatloaf, potatoes, green beans and roll
• Tuesday: Chicken tortilla soup, rice, onions, avocados, cheese, tortillas
• Wednesday: Pot roast, potatoes, carrots, and roll
• Thursday: Chicken tortilla soup, rice, onions, avocados, cheese, tortillas & lime
• Friday: Chef’s choice

Café Latte, 309 N. US 183, 260-0072

Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 6:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sunday Closed

Catering is available